What can we learn from the daily work rituals of Coco Chanel, Anna Pavlova and Elsa Schiaparelli?

Surprising inspiration from the greats

Anna Pavlova

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Mason Currey

Sunday March 03 2019, 12.01am, The Sunday Times

Ever wonder how the most creative women get things done? In an extract from his new book, the author Mason Currey reveals their unique rituals, from six-day working weeks to afternoon drams of whisky

Anna PavlovaBallet dancer and choreographer1881-1931

“On the day of a performance most ballerinas cannot eat a thing,” the Russian prima ballerina once declared. “Not I! At 5pm I have a cup of bouillon, a cutlet and a custard dessert. During the performance I drink water with breadcrumbs, which is most refreshing. After the ballet I have a bath as soon as possible. Then I go out to dinner, as by that time I have an unmerciful hunger. When I get home I drink tea.”